REDDITCH residents can now get more help and support when it comes to their mental wellbeing thanks to a new signposting service.

The Community Advice Service project, which is being run by Redditch Mental Health Action Group (MHAG) and supported by Redditch Partnership and Redditch Borough Council, aims to provide an informal, confidential, information and advice service to people experiencing issues in their life which are having a negative impact on their wellbeing.

The project means that a community worker will now be on hand during drop in sessions to chat to members of the public and provide information about any issues of concern and signpost or refer them to further specialist organisations if they need more help.

The community worker will be able to help people who would like support with a range of issues including financial, housing, physical health, mental health, healthy lifestyles, education and employment.

Sarah Maries from MHAG, said: “As a group we felt there was a gap in community support and information market for people experiencing difficulties with their mental wellbeing or health.

"We hope this project will provide people with easily accessible information and advice in an informal and comfortable setting. People can drop in or book appointments to chat in confidence with the community worker about any issues that are bothering them and they need assistance with.”

Councillor Bill Hartnett, leader of the council, said: “I think it is fantastic that MHAG are pushing forward with this project which could help a lot of residents.

"As a council we are more than happy to offer our support and wish MHAG every success with their provision of an additional outlet for people who are experiencing difficulties. More often than not people aren’t sure where to go for help and/or don’t want to go to statutory agencies so this will really benefit people.”

Sessions will be run at the REDI Centre starting from Saturday, August 8 from10am to 12pm.

The sessions will then run weekly on Thursdays from 6 to 8pm and Saturdays 10am to 12pm for people to drop-in.

Additionally, there will be a session held for young people aged 13 to 19-years-old on Mondays from 7 to 8pm.

For more information, call 07774 314541 or email advice4you2016@gmail.com.